Troops rescue abducted cleric, kill kidnapper in Enugu

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have rescued a kidnapped cleric, Rev. Johnson Anayo Onugwu, from unknown gunmen in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim was abducted from his residence in Ezimo community at about 1:00 a.m. on Jan. 29 by armed men.

Following actionable intelligence, troops of 82 Division Garrison were deployed to the Udenu axis and trailed the kidnappers to the Itabolo general area.

“The troops engaged the kidnappers at Okpakeke community in a gun battle, which led to the successful rescue of the victim,” the source said.

During the operation, the troops reportedly expended 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, with no casualties recorded on the side of the security forces.

“One of the criminals was neutralised on the spot during the firefight,” the source added.

Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The rescued cleric has since been reunited with his family, while security agencies said efforts were ongoing to track down other members of the criminal gang and bring them to justice.

The military reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations against kidnapping and other forms of violent crime across the South-East.

Troops rescue abducted cleric, kill kidnapper in Enugu

Yobe State University Commends Governor Mai Mala Buni on Commissioning of BioRTC Permanent Facility

By: Kolo Gulani

The Vice-Chancellor of Yobe State University, Prof. Muhammad Bashir Tahir has expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, CON, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support toward the advancement of science, research, and higher education in the state.

The commendation was made at the official commissioning of the permanent facility of the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) in Damaturu, a landmark event that further positions Yobe State as an emerging hub for advanced biomedical research in Nigeria and Africa.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor described the commissioning as far more than the opening of a physical structure, noting that it represents the consolidation of an idea that has already attained credibility, impact, and international relevance.

“BioRTC stands today as one of the most visible and globally connected research initiatives associated with Yobe State University. Its growth affirms that when vision is matched with leadership, partnership, and sustained commitment, excellence is achievable anywhere,” ~the Vice-Chancellor stated.

The Vice-Chancellor particularly applauded Governor Buni’s foresight and courage in prioritising investment in advanced scientific infrastructure, describing it as a clear demonstration of leadership that understands development as investment in people, knowledge, and institutions, rather than short-term gains.

He noted that the Governor’s commitment has extended beyond BioRTC to the wider development of Yobe State University, resulting in measurable academic outcomes. Between 2019 and 2025, the University recorded the graduation of 106 First-Class graduates across disciplines including the sciences, humanities, and management studies an achievement described as a strategic human capital asset for Yobe State and Nigeria at large.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, these achievements demonstrate that talent flourishes when opportunity is equitably provided and excellence is deliberately nurtured, regardless of geography or circumstance.

Within this broader academic progress, BioRTC was highlighted as a powerful institutional model one that is globally engaged, scientifically independent, locally relevant, and firmly anchored in public service.

The Vice-Chancellor also formally recognised Professor Mahmoud Bukar Maina, Founder and Director of BioRTC, for his scientific leadership, persistence, and commitment to capacity building in Yobe State, describing his decision to establish a centre of international calibre in Yobe as a strong vote of confidence in the University and the State.

He reaffirmed Yobe State University’s commitment to providing an enabling institutional environment that supports academic excellence, innovation, and transparent partnerships, while strengthening constructive engagement with BioRTC for the benefit of students, researchers, and the people of Yobe State.

The Vice-Chancellor concluded by congratulating the Government of Yobe State, the leadership of BioRTC, and all partners who contributed to the successful completion of the permanent facility, expressing confidence that the Centre will serve science, society, and future generations.

Yobe State University Commends Governor Mai Mala Buni on Commissioning of BioRTC Permanent Facility

Troops arrest armed robbers, rescue abducted woman in Adamawa

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested two armed robbery suspects and rescued an abducted woman during separate operations in Mubi North and Hong Local Government Areas of Adamawa.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the first incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 29 when troops received a distress call from Barama community in Mubi North LGA.

The sources said the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and arrested two suspects who were attempting to rob a student of the Federal Polytechnic in the students’ village area.

“In the process, one of the suspects was shot in the thigh while attempting to confront the troops and was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for treatment. The suspects have been handed over to the police for further action,” the report said.

Items recovered from the suspects included three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones and a power bank.

In a related development, the report said that at about noon on Jan. 28, troops in conjunction with local vigilantes conducted a fighting patrol along Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong LGA.

“During the patrol, troops made contact with terrorists and engaged them with a high volume of fire, forcing them to withdraw in disarray,” it said.

The troops also rescued a woman who had been abducted by the terrorists and carried out exploitation of the general area.

Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle with registration number 2056792 and two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one sub-machine gun rifle and 42 rounds of ammunition.
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